Lockport Express has an up and down weekend against rival Aviators

This past weekend the Lockport Express went 1-2 against downstate rivals New York Aviators during the team’s last home stand of the year before the holiday break. On Friday night the Express won a thrilling 6-5 OT Shootout win against the Aviators on a goal scored by Ryan Logar. Lockport overcame a three-goal deficit to capture the victory. Lockport trailed 4-1 after a power play goal by New York's Corey Rees at 8:59 in the second period. Lockport tied things up at 5-5 on a goal by Brendan McFall at 18:40 in the third period. Lockport's offense rang up 36 shots on New York's net. Team could not crack New York's penalty kill and was held to one power play goal while having nine opportunities to play with the man advantage. Lockport struggled to stay out of the sin bin throughout the game as it finished the game with 28 penalty minutes for six opposing power plays. Lockport additionally got points from McFall, who also racked up one goal and one assist and Christopher Gasiewicz, who also had two goals and three assists to lead the team in points. More assists for Lockport came via Mark Friol, who had four and Gibson Stuart, Devin Kasperek, and Dylan Jenkins, who each chipped in one.

On Saturday Lockport tried to dig itself out of a two-goal hole, but New York held on for a 6-5 victory. New York took a 6-4 lead during the third period, only to have Lockport storm back on a Christopher Gasiewicz goal 19:36 into the third period to pull to one goal down.Lockport was led by Ryan Logar, who registered two goals and one assist. Logar scored the first of his two goals at 6:12 into the first period to make the score 2-1 Lockport. John Gannonpicked up the assist. Logar's next tally made the score 3-2 Lockport with 11:45 left in the second period. Josh Evoyprovided the assist. Lockport also got points from Frank II Vecchio, who also tallied one goal and one assist and Gasiewicz, who also had one goal and one assist. Lockport also got a goal from Jordan Pocobelloas well. More assists for Lockport came via Kurt Villani, who had one and Brendan McFalland Dylan Jenkins, who contributed two each.

Finally on Sunday the Express dropped the final game by a score of 6-1. Lockport's offense operated below its season average. Lockport puts an average of 4.1 pucks into the net per game. Lockport forced New York goalie Mundinger to work between the pipes, taking 54 shots. Lockport could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 108 minutes in penalties during the game.Lockport was led by Andrew Logar, who scored the team's only goal. Logar scored 17:03 into the first period to make the score 2-1 New York. Frank II Vecchio provided the assist.New York registered two goals on eight power play opportunities. Tim Schiess took the loss and made 15 saves before being replaced by Sal Stalteri who made seven saves.

Despite the losses the Express held their first annual blood drive on Saturday before the game In all, 35 units of blood were drawn over the four-hour drive held in the parking lot outside Cornerstone Community Federal Credit Union Arena. Organizers had hoped for 18.Donations were rewarded with tickets to Lockport Express Jr. A hockey home games, gift cards and other offers from local restaurants and establishments. The Red Cross says that blood donations often decline during December due to holiday festivities, seasonal illnesses and the weather.

The Express also held a Peanut Butter and Jelly Drive to help local food pantries stock up for the holidays to help out the needy before the holiday season. In all 150+ jars were sold and donated and will all go to local food pantries. Finally Howell Motors Ford was thrilled to give away $1,100 dollars during the Howell Motors Shootout this weekend! During the first intermission of every Lockport Express home game Howell Motors Ford hold a shootout where contestants can shoot a puck into a tiny hole in a board for a chance to win a fabulous prize such as a gift certificate the Sub Delicious in Lockport or if they make it into the hole they win the ever growing pot of money starting from the first home game. This weekend saw the first money winner, Bob Fontaine! Congradulations Bob! The shootout is brought to you by Howell Motors Ford, Where Friends Send Friends since 1914!